Inspiration: Nature and Pastels

A new girl

Its been ages since I last blogged, and I feel like every post I write starts with this statement. I guess I've just been busy, and a little uninspired. But a long conversation and a magazine for Christmas have re-ignited my creative flame!

Amongst the chaos of the festive season (in all its glory) I've moved into a new flat with my boyfriend and started my own business! Exciting I know. So its all working well with the arrival of the new year, because I feel brand new and my inspiration is fresh!

My business is named after myself and I create knitwear in mohair and other fibres. So far, I have a few exciting prospects up my sleeve so hopefully things will flourish!! Wish me luck!

Here are two new drawings, all the holiday time has given me opportunity to get arty and spend some time with my creative side.

Graaff Reinet = Love

I don't think I've come across a town prettier than Graaff Reinet. Filled with exquisite churches, parks, chocolatiers and antique shops, we were in explorer's heaven. This was the beautiful view from one of the antique shops we found, I want to dance on the rooftops.

We arrived at the International Mohair Summit a little later (we took our sweet time enjoying the pretties before getting to work) and got the mannequins all set up and ready for the trade show.

We spent hours making the felt cut-out background, but didn't end up using it as the weather turned bad and we moved inside. This was a blessing in disguise though, as all the important people got to see my work.

Last minute move inside, unfortunately there was no place to hang our decor, but we made do.

The summit was swarming with fashion 'big-wigs' which was great, as we got to meet many established designers, editors and trend forecasters. The best thing was getting feedback on my collection from these people, as most of them had lovely things to say and were interested in helping me progress in my career.

We were lucky enough to be invited to meet Li Edelkoort and witness one of her hugely influential trend forecast conferences. It was absolutely awe-inspiring and partly lead to my big career decision, to start my own business. Exciting!

The African themed evening was the best. These lovely ladies painted our faces in the traditional style and the venue was like a malibu holiday resort, in the middle of South Africa. Wonderful!

Getting traditional

The Palms - heaven

Baby momo... cutie!

Well I think they're pretty...

I took these 3 photo's while tipsy at an exhibition after party. My photographer friend said they're lame but I think they're beautiful. Not that I'm particularly into abstract stuff, but I like the pastels.

Bon Forêt - Illustrations

Bon Forêt

Its bright and sunny outside and I have that special, anxious feeling that I would get as a kid when the holidays were beginning. After a very long week of sleepless nights I had all sorts of moms helping with sewing, and I finally completed my collection for hand in. Its amazing how all the little things you have to fix up take the longest time.

A few weeks ago, Sasha and I did the photoshoot for the collection. It was by chance that we found the location. While we were straining to think of a good place to shoot, I suggested that we try the beautiful little cottage style house over the road. We popped over, bravely, to ask the owner if she would let us turn her house into a fashion studio. Not only did she invite us in to have a look around, but we discovered that her house was a wonderland of beautiful nooks with a magical garden, ideal for the shoot. We ended up staying for tea, the sweet Earl Grey was handed to me in a beautiful blue and white china tea cup and saucer, while the kitty, Princess, swirled around my ankles. Perfect!

Long time no see...

Hello there! *echo...echo..echo...* Its been non-stop madness since my last post (which was like 5 centuries ago) and all the work is finally coming to an end.

Our annual fashion show was cancelled half way through the year because the sponsors pulled out due to 'recession issues', so the massive responsibility fell into the hands of the students. We were asked to put together a showcase featuring all the work of the 3rd and 4th years from Photography, Graphic Design, Fashion Design and Interior Design. 'The Collective,' as we named it, grew with publicity and word of mouth and turned into a major event with pre-parties, present parties and after parties. The fashion show and exhibition opening were spectacular, showing off work from all the design departments. The truck load of box wine also eased the night along nicely.

Fun with pro make up

Luckily, my collection was finished in good time, so the show was pretty stress free on my part. Kerys and I spent the evening backstage drinking ciders and red bull and making fun of 90's boy models. Kerys calling one very arrogant queen model a tannie (aunty) was the highlight of the evening.

Beautiful backstage chaos